Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars: Chewy, Crunchy, Addictive
Easy, sweet, and oddly addictive—these peanut butter cornflake bars are everything you want in a dessert, and then some.
These Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars are chewy, crunchy, peanut buttery, a little sweet, and a whole lotta fun.
Honestly, they’re like your childhood, your favorite candy, and your “I need a treat” moments rolled into one glorious pan.
Bonus: they’re no-fuss, pantry-friendly, and perfect for impressing everyone without ever turning on the oven.
Trust me, your snack game is about to level up.
Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy or chunky—your call
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups cornflakes cereal
- Optional: a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
Instructions
- Prep your pan – Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Don’t skip this; your bars will thank you.
- Melt it down – In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until smooth.
- Add peanut butter & vanilla – Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky and luscious.
- Combine with cornflakes – Remove from heat and gently fold in the cornflakes. Be careful not to crush them too much—you want that crunch.
- Press into the pan – Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula or parchment paper to press it evenly.
- Chill – Pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
- Slice & enjoy – Remove from the pan, slice into bars, and watch them disappear.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Here’s the deal: this recipe is ridiculously easy.
I mean, if you can melt butter and stir, you’re basically a wizard.
No fancy gadgets, no flour explosions, no mysterious ingredients you have to Google for an hour.
Also, it’s got texture—soft, gooey peanut butter, yet crunchy cornflakes that make every bite a little party.
And the best part? You don’t have to wait for baking. Just mix, press, chill, and boom—dessert nirvana.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this magic happen:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky—your call)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups cornflakes cereal
- Optional: a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
FYI: That’s it. No chocolate chips, no frosting, no tricks. Simple, sweet, and utterly satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep your pan – Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Don’t skip this; your bars will thank you.
- Melt it down – In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until smooth.
- Add peanut butter & vanilla – Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky and luscious.
- Combine with cornflakes – Remove from heat and gently fold in the cornflakes. Be careful not to crush them too much—you want that crunch.
- Press into the pan – Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula or parchment paper to press it evenly.
- Chill – Pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
- Slice & enjoy – Remove from the pan, slice into bars, and watch them disappear.
How to Serve
Honestly, these bars are perfect on their own.
Grab one as a mid-morning pick-me-up, a post-dinner treat, or sneak one into your kid’s lunchbox and watch them grin.
You can also drizzle a little melted chocolate on top if you’re feeling fancy—or go the full peanut butter drizzle route.
Either way, they scream indulgence without being complicated.
Nutrition Facts (per bar, approx.)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28–30 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 11–13 g
- Sugar: 14–16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
These bars are mostly carbs and fat—because duh, it’s peanut butter + cornflakes + sugar. Perfect treat energy, but maybe don’t eat five in a row… unless you’re okay with smiling and feeling a little guilty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the parchment – Rookie mistake. Sticky pans are sad pans.
- Over-crushing the cornflakes – Part of the charm is that crunchy texture. Treat it gently.
- Not chilling long enough – Patience, my friend. Too soon and your bars will fall apart.
- Burning the butter/sugar – Keep the heat medium, stir, and don’t wander off.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Nut butter swap: Almond or cashew butter works. Peanut butter haters, rejoice!
- Cereal swap: Rice Krispies or a gluten-free cereal will work if cornflakes aren’t in your pantry.
- Sweetener swap: Maple syrup or coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Chocolate upgrade: Add chocolate chips to the mixture, or drizzle melted chocolate over the top once chilled.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about these bars—like a chewy hug for your taste buds.
They’re simple, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion where you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Now go, mix, chill, slice, and watch your friends and family marvel at your magical snack-making skills.
Bonus points if you hide a few in your own stash… no judgment.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Totally! Just make sure it’s stir-ready; you might need a tiny splash of oil to keep it smooth.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They actually get better as the flavors meld.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: If you use gluten-free cornflakes, yes! Otherwise, stick to regular if you’re not worried about gluten.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Sure! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Q: Can I skip the sugar?
A: Not really, unless you want super savory peanut butter cornflakes bars. And honestly… no, you don’t.
Q: Can I double the batch?
A: Yep! Just use a bigger pan or double up and press into two pans.
Q: Any tips for clean cutting?
A: Warm a knife under hot water, wipe dry, and slice. Makes for nice, neat bars.
